Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hiroshi Miki is a pioneering figure in biomimetic robotics, whose work centers on the design, modeling, and control of squid-like underwater robots. His research uniquely bridges biology and engineering, focusing on how undulating side fins can provide agile, efficient propulsion and maneuvering in aquatic environments. Miki’s major contributions include the experimental and computational characterization of these bio-inspired platforms. His most-cited work, "Braking Performance of a Biomimetic Squid-Like Underwater Robot" (2013, 51 citations), established a fundamental understanding of deceleration mechanisms in fin-driven robots, a critical capability for precise underwater operations. Complementing this, his 2011 study (48 citations) provided a foundational computational framework for analyzing the hydrodynamics of two undulating fins. In a notable achievement, Miki developed a real-time simulator based on a 6-degrees-of-freedom mathematical model, validated through towing tank experiments, enabling virtual prototyping and control system testing. With over 100 combined citations, his research has significantly advanced the field of soft and bio-inspired underwater robotics, offering practical insights for designing quieter, more maneuverable autonomous underwater vehicles for exploration, monitoring, and defense applications.